Licensing Music to Churches in the Modern Era: A Discussion with CCLI – 10/2/24
On October 2, 2024, the Copyright Society of the South welcomed Gary Christensen and Lynn Morrow who presented information and updates regarding Christian Copyright Licensing, Inc. (CCLI). The CLE luncheon event was held for Society members and their guests at the CMA Event Room in Nashville, Tennessee.
CCLI is a division of SESAC Music Group, and serves over 240,000 churches, schools and other organizations globally while representing the intellectual property rights of over 7,000 church music publishers and song owners. CCLI’s mission is to help churches and other organizations easily navigate copyright law and licensing to ensure compliance using music and media. The company was founded in 1988 and headquarters are located in Vancouver, Washington.
Gary Christensen is a 25-year veteran of CCLI and currently serves as President. Christensen joined the CCLI team after a 20-year career in banking. In his previous role as Chief Intellectual Property Officer at CCLI, he was responsible for the publishing and rights owner side of CCLI’s enterprise, and was actively engaged in global copyright matters including rights, publisher relations and contract development as well as repertoire and royalty management.
Attorney Lynn Morrow is Partner and Entertainment/New Media Team Leader with Adams And Reese LLP. Morrow advises and advocates for businesses and organizations that promote music and other forms of entertainment, and helps artists, authors, songwriters, music publishers and producers negotiate deals. Morrow also works with independent publishing companies, record companies and large non-profit ministries with a music element, helping them to protect their intellectual property and content. Previously a litigator, Lynn brings courtroom and negotiation skills to her practice. Morrow writes extensively on copyright and entertainment-related subjects, and her article, “The Recording Artist Agreement: Does it Empower or Enslave?” was published by the Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment Law and Practice. In addition, Lynn speaks frequently before legal and entertainment industry audiences. Lynn is the past Chair of the Entertainment and Sports Section of the Nashville Bar Association and Tennessee Bar Association. In 2013 and 2018, Lynn was named Best Lawyers® Lawyer of the Year in Entertainment Law in Nashville, and since 2008, she has been ranked among Best Lawyers® in Entertainment Law – Music, Copyright Law and Intellectual Property Law. Lynn assisted in the development of the firm’s Entertainment and New Media Practice Group.
The Copyright Society of the South board of directors welcome Lynn Morrow and CCLI to its October Event. L to R: Amanda Hruska; Stacey Schlitz; Aaron Hartley; John Barker; Tim Wipperman; Gary Christiansen, CCLI; Lynn Morrow, Adams and Reese LLP; Nate Scott, CCLI; Kent Draughon.
The Copyright Society of the South was formed in 1988 in Nashville, Tennessee, consisting of music publishers, attorneys, music industry personnel, and academicians interested in the field of copyright law. Its mission is to provide a forum for study and discussion of domestic and international copyright law and other matters pertaining to the entertainment industry. It provides CLE lectures, seminars, speakers, presentations, and the opportunity to present various points of view on subjects of interest to the membership. The Society refrains from taking a lobbying role or endorsing or sponsoring political positions or candidates.
Members are accepted into the organization by board vote. If you are interested in joining the Copyright Society of the South please email us at copyrightsocietyofthesouth@gmail.com . Please attach a PDF copy of your resume, CV, and/or bio in your email communication.
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